Related Links

Residency Requirements

Basic Residency Definitions:

Resident (for tuition purposes): – Unless precluded, a "resident" is a student who has been physically present in the state for more than one year immediately preceding the residence determination date (one year and one day), and has demonstrated an intent to make California a permanent home. EC § 68017

Nonresident: – A "nonresident" is a student who does not have residence in the state for more than one year immediately preceding the residence determination date. EC § 68018

Residence: – To establish or change a residence, a person capable of establishing residence must couple his or her physical presence with objective evidence that the physical presence is with intent to make California the home for other than a temporary purpose. EC §68062(d);

Physical presence alone is insufficient; intent alone is insufficient

Residence Determination Date: – Residence determination date is the day immediately preceding the opening day of instruction of the quarter, semester, or other session as set by the district governing board, during which the student proposes to attend a college. Enrollments in late starting classes within a term are subject to this uniform residency determination date.

There can only be one residence (an established primary and permanent home).

A residence is the place where one remains when not called elsewhere for labor or other special or temporary purpose and to which he or she returns in seasons of repose.

A residence cannot be lost until another is gained.

The residence can be changed only by the union of act and intent.

A person's residence shall not be derived from that of his or her spouse.

The residence of the parent with whom an unmarried minor child resides with is the residence of the unmarried minor child. When the minor lives with neither parent, his or her residence is that of the parent with whom he or she last resided.

Each student must be classified as a resident or nonresident, even when enrolling only in noncredit courses.

The one-year residence period necessary to be classified as a resident does not begin until the student both is present and has manifested clear intent to become a California resident.

Moving to California primarily to attend school does not constitute establishing California residence, regardless of the length of that presence.

If a student or the parents of a minor relinquish California residence after moving from the state, one full year of physical presence coupled with intent is required to reestablish residence.

Temporary absences will not result in a loss of California residence if, during the absence, the person always intended to return and did nothing inconsistent with that intent.

Residency Reclassification and Financial Independence:– EC § 68044; T5 § 54032 requires that financial independence status be included as one of the factors in residency reclassifications.

EC § 68044 focuses on parental support aspects, but also permits district governing boards to define other factors which may be considered in making residency reclassifications, such as support from family members other than the parent(s).

A student who has established financial independence may be reclassified as a resident, if the basic physical presence and intent requirements are also met

Resources

About Us

Columbia College is a dynamic institution of learners and creative thinkers dedicated to high standards of student success. We prepare students to be fully engaged in an evolving world by offering comprehensive and high quality programs and services. Columbia College is committed to a culture of improvement through measuring student learning across the institution. We strive for excellence, foster a spirit of professionalism and embrace diversity.